HOW HARD TIMES BROUGHT US CLOSER

THE MUSICIANS FOUND PEACE AND INSPIRATIONAFTER FACING PERSONAL STRUGGLES TOGETHER 

- SARAH MICHAUD

They broke through in Nashville 11 years ago, but it’s only recently that Brothers Osborne found true harmony. With hits like “Stay a Little Longer,” which employs their rollicking brand of country rock, the Deale, Md.-bred sibling act has earned a Grammy and amassed more than 2.8 billion global streams. Through their success the band of brothers supported each other amid personal upheaval and public revelations: John, 41, contemplated quitting music when he struggled with suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety in 2019, and TJ, 38, came out as gay in 2021. “We’re entering unknown territory for us, but it feels so exciting and so right at the same time,” says John of their new self-titled LP (out now), which sees the reigning CMA and ACM Duo of the Year embrace their roles as voices for change in the evolving country music scene. Adds TJ: “Even though this is our fourth album, it felt like the first time that everyone’s gotten to truly see us completely for who we are.”

TJ, you came out in February 2021. What was the catalyst that made you decide it was time?

TJ OSBORNE I wanted to have love like anyone else—and I would never have a healthy relationship while being in the closet. When everything stopped [during the pandemic], it highlighted what needed to be addressed in the most urgent way. I realized, “I have to do this for my own sanity.”

And now you’ve been dating your boyfriend Abi Ventura for a few years.